May 23/17 9:28 am - Still Time to Register for Hayman Classic (B.C.)

Posted by Editoress on 05/23/17

Now less than a month away, the Hayman Classic is shaping up as a battleground for some of the best young cyclists from clubs across the country. More than 75 riders have registered to date and the numbers are expected to hit 100-plus by the start of competition, says chief organizer and former Olympian Ron Hayman.

So far, the race has drawn clubs from British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Ontario. Indeed, with 14 riders registered from Ontario, the province will be well represented in the three-day, four-event competition in the Okanagan Valley.

Hayman is optimistic athletes from Saskatchewan and Manitoba will soon be on board too, and all cyclists are assured of a highly competitive event - "real bike racing," as he puts it.

The Hayman Classic is still a young event; this is only its third year. Yet already its quality and stature are such that Cycling Canada is looking to add it to the national youth cycling calendar for 2018. Such a designation would mark the Classic as an "important stepping stone" to the national team, Hayman says.

While much is already known about this year's event, some details are new:

• After each stage, the overall leader based on time is presented with the Race Leader jersey, which they will wear in each subsequent stage, providing they remain leader. This is similar in concept to the Yellow Jersey worn by the leader of the Tour de France.

• There is also a "Combination" Leader Jersey. This competition is based on points accumulated through finish placings, hill top and intermediate sprints.

• A U19 male category has been added. As a result, U19 gear must be used for U19 and U17 male and female races.

The four stages of the Hayman Classic are as follows: a hill climb on the morning of June 9th; a circuit race on a motorsport speedway on the afternoon of June 9th; a criterium on the afternoon of June 10th; and a road race on the morning of June 11th. A banquet scheduled for the evening of June 10th is open to parents, relatives, coaches and trainers.